What is the Breastfeeding Chronicles?

Well, well, well....my very first post on my very first blog.

I'll start by telling you what prompted me to jump into the blogging world. It's actually the apparently contentious issue of breastfeeding and the slogan, "Breast is Best" that landed me here. When news of the tainted Chinese baby formula first broke, I included the "Breast is Best" slogan in a Facebook status update and was surprised to soon find myself in an incredibly heated e-argument with a friend of over 20 years. What were we arguing about?

Breastfeeding versus formula feeding.

I was accused of calling formula "poison". I was also accused of being insensitive to women who are unable to breastfeed. And, finally, I was told that formula was actually safer than breastmilk. With unreferenced quotes and stats and "facts" flying about, we shot barbs back and forth. Of course, I thought I was quite eloquent and unemotional in my argument...heh heh. But our discussion quickly devolved and soon became quite a symbolic indicator of the fact that the stigma and misinformation surrounding breastfeeding is still living large. That the conversation devolved so quickly also reminds me just how personal and emotional this topic can be.

Now that I'm a mother - a breastfeeding mother - I seem to have become a rather staunch supporter of breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding. In trying to come to terms with the fact that my relationship with said friend could very well be over, I am committed to (re)learning how to advocate for breastfeeding in a supportive, respectful, and informed manner.

So, here I am!

Welcome to the Breastfeeding Chronicles. I hope you find something that resonates for you!

Peace,
Blakpurl